TV show settles the question: Which tavern is the oldest on Staten Island?

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Well before Ken Tirado became a restaurateur, he was bitten by the showbiz bug. That dream seemed to go by the boards — until the day his luck suddenly changed.

A film crew wanted to shoot scenes for a feature film at his establishment, Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn in Charleston. One thing led to another, and before he knew it, Ken was appearing in the film "Little Children" — he played the barkeep, natch.

Ken adds that since the film industry is a cruel business and further offers didn't flood in, he was forced back into his quotidian routine.

"But," says he, "as often happens with washed-up film careers, the world of television beckons."

It seems that Oprah Winfrey's TV network, OWN (which scored a coup with Lance Armstrong's confession), was scouting locations for "Staten Island Law," a new show about Elura and Michelle, two Staten Island attorneys in a mediation practice, and someone helpfully pointed them toward Killmeyer's.

Ken skeptically met with the producers, who were searching for ideas, and during a tour of the site, Ken pointed to an article on the wall about a "dispute"that Larry Liedy (of Liedy's Shore Inn) and Ken had over which tavern was the oldest on Staten Island. Well, wouldn't you know, the producers seized on this idea and ran with it. That's how Ken found himself in front of the camera again — and fame came calling.

So on Saturday at 9 p.m., all will see the final product aboard Verizon FIOS Channel 161. Ken asks that we set our DVRs, have a home party, or come on down to Killmeyer's at 4254 Arthur Kill Rd. in Charleston in order to watch the show.

Ken will be signing autographs!

Those interested may also consult www.killmeyers.com.

CHORAL GROUP TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

In honor of "Staten Island Night" at Madison Square Garden, the Richmond Choral Society has been invited by the Knicks to perform the national anthem prior to Sunday's game, which tips off at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN.

According to Louise Cottone, executive director of the Richmond Choral Society, there are no guarantees that you will see them — but you certainly will hear them.

CELEBRATIONS

Birthday greetings today go to Sal Tirone, former owner of Tirone's Shoe Store in Port Richmond, who turns 92, to Larry Miraglia, Phyllis Schreiner and Benjamin Gerard Ruggiero, now all of one year old.

Matt Bacchi, who turns 26 today, is an alumnus of Curtis High School and Siena College, and is now a staffer in sales and accounting at G & F Supply.

Happy wedding anniversary to Diane and Fred Bacchi, who celebrate their 53rd today. Belated birthday wishes to Linda Colon, who marked her 52nd on Monday, and birthday greetings to Michael Peteroy, who celebrates his 49th on Monday.